Roasted-Tomato Soup with Herbed Croutons

Leslie Mackie, owner of the Macrina Bakery & Café in Seattle, began her career working as a chef with Biba owner Lydia Shire in Boston. In 1993, she opened Macrina, which has become famous for its rustic European-style breads as well as savory dishes like this soup, which evokes the simple pleasure of a grilled ham sandwich with tomato.
Plus: More Vegetable Recipes and Tips

Ingredients

SOUP

2 pounds medium plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1 large onion, finely chopped

1/4 pound smoked ham, cut into matchsticks

5 cups Basic Chicken Stock or canned low-sodium broth

HERBED CROUTONS

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced herbs, such as parsley, rosemary and thyme

3 cups sourdough bread in 1-inch cubes

Salt and freshly ground pepper

How to Make It

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 250°. Arrange the tomatoes on a large rimmed baking sheet, cut side down. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the skins shrivel. Let the tomatoes cool slightly, then peel and seed them over the baking sheet and transfer them to a bowl. Scrape the seeds, skins and any juices from the baking sheet into a fine sieve set over the bowl and press to extract as much juice as possible.

Step 2

Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the ham, roasted tomatoes and their juices and the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the soup for 45 minutes.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 325°. In a medium skillet, melt the butter in the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over low heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced herbs and cook for 30 seconds. Scrape the mixture into a medium bowl, add the bread cubes and a generous pinch of salt and pepper and toss thoroughly. Spread the bread cubes on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden.

Step 4

Coarsely mash the tomatoes in the soup and season with salt and pepper. Put the croutons in shallow bowls, ladle the soup on top and serve piping hot.

Make Ahead

The soup can be refrigerated and the croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Suggested Pairing

To handle the intensity of both the tomatoes and the ham, turn to a spicy Zinfandel. Or pick a sharp, earthy white, such as one from Sicily.

You May Like

Read More

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Keeping you in the know on all the latest & greatest food and travel news, and other special offers.